Full review

Ski Bowl is 20+ min closer to Portland than either Timberline or Meadows. Upper Bowl has terrific steeps, even cliffs, that are lit up at night. The Outback bowls and Tom Dick Peak have the best in-bounds steeps on Hood (sadly not lit at night). West Wall above the upper chair has great steeps as well. Warming hut is at base of Upper chair - perfect for drying out powder-packed googles and wetting your throat. Restrooms by the Warming Hut as well (I just pee in trees, but girls like restrooms). If terrain parks are your thing, you may want to go on up to Meadows or Timberline. Otherwise, when roads are bad (= fresh snow), it's an easy call to stop at Ski Bowl. There are no long parking lot walks. Lodge and Beer Stube are shabby in a quaint way, but adequate.
Lower chair is good for beginners and intermediates. Multopor chair is good for intermediates. Cascade chair is short but steep (and where they usually stick out the race courses). Because the Cascade chair is off the beaten path, fresh tracks can often be found there after a big snow, especially in the Stump Garden.